Four times discus world champion between 1991 and 1997, Olympic champion in Atlanta in 1996, this German from the east of the country was the favourite for the gold medal in Sydney in 2000. However, like other champions of his calibre, the Lithuanian Alkena laid down the law to him. He had had prior warning of the emerging competition when he finished in only third place during the world championships in Seville in 99.The fact remains that his impressive and well-proportioned physique, Riedel is a model for the discipline. He was even asked to pose naked, body painted gold, for a photographical tribute to the discobolus.